The Grass Is Singing Ending Explained: In Southern Rhodesia in the 1940s, city-dweller Mary marries farmer Dick Turner and is plucked from the comforts of her cosmopolitan life and forced to live on his unsuccessful farm. Directed by Michael Raeburn, this 1981 drama film stars Karen Black (Mary Turner), alongside John Thaw as Dick Turner, John Kani as Moses, Patrick Mynhardt as Charlie Muller. Rated 4.7/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.

What Happens at the End of The Grass Is Singing?

In Southern Rhodesia in the 1940s, city-dweller Mary marries farmer Dick Turner and is plucked from the comforts of her cosmopolitan life and forced to live on his unsuccessful farm. Mary slowly goes insane and has a sexual affair with her black servant, Moses. When the affair is discovered, Mary asks Moses to leave the farm, but he returns and murders her.

Michael Raeburn's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Karen Black (Mary Turner)'s journey. Mary slowly goes insane and has a sexual affair with her black servant, Moses.

How Does Karen Black (Mary Turner)'s Story End?

  • Karen Black: Karen Black's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • John Thaw (Dick Turner): John Thaw's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • John Kani (Moses): John Kani's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Grass Is Singing Mean?

The ending of The Grass Is Singing brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Karen Black's story may not satisfy all audiences.